A large part of my Indie Durham City work in Durham is being a “Retail Cupid”, where I use my experience and connections to proactively match up available premises with (mostly independent) businesses that are looking to trade in the city.
Success
There are several such success stories to date – including the tasting menu restaurant Coarse, its follow-up brunch venue Isla, wine bar Crush, and indie bookshop Collected – where my introductions to landlords or agents have helped fantastic businesses on their journeys!
The latest success is a bit different, but no less satisfying! I was recently introduced to Michelle Hill from Brilliant Auctions, which operates from the North East BIC in Sunderland.
To date, its auctions have been held online via the easyliveAuction platform, and Michelle was keen to find a bookable space in Durham city centre that could be used to host live auctions in the future, as well as valuation afternoons where people could bring their items in, Antiques Roadshow style.
Paul Howard from Durham BID thought that local entrepreneur Matty Booth – who runs Northern Stores & Deli and Café at the Quarter, both in Prince Bishops Place – might be able to help, which seemed like a great call.
So, I met Michelle for coffee in Sunderland to understand more about Brilliant Auctions and her requirements in Durham, and we discussed a range of options, including Matty’s spaces. I duly introduced Michelle and Matty to each other, and hey presto – the first Brilliant Auctions valuation day is now taking place from 11am to 3pm on Tuesday 12 November, upstairs at Café at the Quarter!
Free valuations
Anyone with small items – or photographs of large items – is welcome to bring them along on the day for a free valuation. Valuations will be made by Seppe Anthony, who has worked in the antiques trade for over 30 years and has a wealth of experience in buying and selling all things old, vintage and interesting.
Aside from general items such as ornaments and furniture, Brilliant Auctions has experience selling cameras and photographic equipment, coins, vinyl, Lego, comics and other curios that are not yet considered ‘antique’, and the team will be on hand to assist with the valuation of a variety of different items.
As Michelle has commented:
“We’re so excited about our first valuation day – we started out as an online auction house so this will give us a great opportunity to welcome customers in person and explain the process to any auction newbies.”
The power of connections
I’m sure Michelle, Seppe and Matty will enjoy a successful day, and I hope it will be the start of a productive relationship!
As we see time and time again, the power of local knowledge and connections is invaluable not just in terms of filling vacant premises, but also in helping to bring interesting businesses and events to our high streets.
My Cupid arrows are always on hand for the next opportunities to do some retail matchmaking, whether in Durham or elsewhere!
